Some thoughts on the integration of spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems

It is past time for us to examine the relationship that exists between what we commonly call spatial analysis on the one hand, and geographic information systems or GIS on the other. GIS technology is widely used but seems to incorporate only a portion of the tools found in spatial analysis. Spatial analysis can be accused of overly simplistic approaches that severely limit its practical utility. This paper suggests that discarding myopic views and meeting upon a common ground of increased knowledge of modern computing concepts and techniques, including object-orientation, can prove extremely fruitful to both sides.